Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Strategic Assessment 2011/14 Community Safety Partnership Foreward

t is with great pleasure that we present the 2011/14 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Strategic Assessment. This is particularly important as it is the first time the Community Safety IPartnership in Falkirk has prepared a Strategic Assessment. This assessment has been prepared at a challenging time in light of the global economic downturn. It is certain that this will have a direct impact on available resources for all service providers and emphasises the need for all agencies to work more closely together to ensure that the right services are provided to the right communities at the right time.

Whilst we cannot hide from the realities of the current economic climate there is a great deal to be optimistic about. The challenges we face come at an exciting time for the Community Safety Partnership where a great deal of good work has already been done to ensure Falkirk remains a safe place to live, work, visit and invest. Against a backdrop of good performance why then the need to carry out a Strategic Assessment? It is clear from this assessment that it is essential that we focus delivery in the communities of greatest need to ensure the good performance is maintained and improved to the benefit of the people we serve.

We believe this assessment provides the Community Safety Partnership with a framework in which to both work and measure success over the coming 3 years and to have a real community focus. We would urge you, the people we are here to serve, to continue to work with ourselves to tackle the challenges identified in this strategic assessment.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all agencies and key individuals from across the Community Safety Partnership who have given their time, energy and expertise in the process of consultation and preparation of this assessment.

We look forward to working with you all to ensure we continue to deliver genuine Community Safety to the people and communities of Falkirk.

Superintendent Robbie McGregor Chair, Community Safety Partnership, Falkirk

1 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Background

Introduction In the period to 2012, development is likely This is the first Community Safety Partnership to be spread as follows: (CSP) Strategic Assessment created for Falkirk Area No of Main sites and provides a strategic overview of the priorities houses in relation to Community Safety over the whole expected of the Falkirk Council area. The purpose of this assessment is to identify the key priorities for the Bo’ness 290 Drum Farm (150) Community Safety Partnership in Falkirk. Bonnybridge/ 190 Dennyloanhead (85) Banknock This assessment examined the areas where Denny 310 Fintry Road (90) partners needed to prioritise their work to the benefit of all communities within the Falkirk Former Denny High area. We will build on ongoing work to improve School (80) the safety of our communities. It must be Falkirk 380 Former St Mungo’s emphasised, however, as we examine the priorities High School (100) for the coming years that the Falkirk area remains Mungal Farm (110) a safe place to live, work, visit and invest; with crime rates among the lowest in . 120 Former Grangemouth High School (60) Area Overview / 900 Bellsdyke/Hill of The following information, based on the Kinnaird (600)* most recent data available, is intended to Polmont 810 Parkhall Farm (150) provide an overview of the Falkirk area and Overton (320) provide a context to the priorities outlined Redding Park (120) in this assessment which could impact on the Community Safety Partnership and the Rural 335 Dunmore House (75) communities it serves. Falkirk covers an area Total 3,335 of 298 sq km (114 sq. miles). *Note that further development on these sites will continue in the long term. Population The estimated population in 2009 was 152,480. The main settlements within the area are as The latest population projections by the General follows : Register Office for Scotland were carried out Area No of residents on a 2008 base. These showed a projected increase in the population to 155,919 by 2013 and 160,239 Falkirk 34,583 by 2018 with continued growth to over 171,211 by Grangemouth 16,827 2033, continuing the growth which began in the Bo’ness 14,403 mid 1990’s. This increase in population together with an increasing older population relates to the Stenhousemuir 10,275 emerging threat of ‘Vulnerable Adults’ which is Denny 7,866 considered within this assessment. Larbert 7,462 The latest housing estimates indicate there Polmont 5,391 were 70,533 houses in the Falkirk area in (Estimates for 2007). September 2009. The largest percentage being owner occupied - 47,570 or 67 per cent. Local Political authority houses totalled 16,400 (23 per cent, The last full election to Falkirk Council was held in which is above the Scottish average) with the 2007. This was the first election to be held with the remainder as housing association or private rented. new multi-member wards. There are now only nine Both these categories have grown slightly in recent wards each of which elects either three or four years, but the biggest change has been the councillors. This means that any area will be increase in owner occupation and the decrease in represented by either three or four councillors who council properties. will come from different parties (or none). The next full election will take place in 2012. There are Although the population has been growing slowly also a number of active Community Councils in over the last 15 years, the number of houses has parts of the area. increased much more rapidly from 64,625 in 2001 to 70,533 in 2009, a growth of 5,908 or over 9%. This growth is expected to continue although the Economic recent economic downturn has seen a significant Like most areas, employment in the Falkirk area decrease in the number of new houses being is now largely in the service sector. Over 45,000 completed. Development will be spread across people were employed in service industries in most of the council area, with the exception of 2007; 76 per cent of the total, however, Falkirk Grangemouth, where lack of available land does have a higher than average proportion of and the ‘Hazard Zone’ restrict development. people employed in manufacturing. The main 3 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Background

industries are petro-chemicals at Grangemouth Edinburgh and the M80 from Glasgow to and vehicle manufacturing in Falkirk. Food and the North cross the area and these are linked manufacturing and timber products are other by the M876 which serves the . important manufacturing industries. Whilst An extension to the M80 from the Stepps by-pass to vehicle manufacturing is currently quite buoyant, Haggs is currently under construction. While other sectors have been declining and the textile this will result in long term improvements, in the industry which was important until the 1990’s has period to 2011 when this extension is due to open, largely disappeared. there may be some disruption to traffic particularly in the Haggs area. Information from the 2010 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings highlighted the average Kincardine Bridge has been a major crossing gross weekly earnings of those working full point on the Forth for many years and is used time and living in the council area were £478 additionally when the main is compared to £486 in Scotland as a whole. closed due to weather conditions. A second bridge Average annual household income (from the was completed in 2008 ( Bridge) and Pay Check database) in 2010 was £34,476. the original bridge is now due to be closed for refurbishment. Clackmannanshire Bridge has created a Falkirk is a major retail centre with over reduction in peak time congestion with the resultant 165,000 sq. m of retail space. Falkirk itself is the benefits to Road Safety. main retail centre and has many of the major retail chains. It ranks significantly higher in importance in There are four railway stations within the area: national league tables than the population size of Falkirk High, Falkirk Grahamston, Larbert and the town would suggest. Central Retail Park has Polmont. The main Edinburgh to Glasgow rail line recently expanded and there have been several passes through the area on a regular basis. Falkirk is new supermarket developments in Falkirk, also within easy reach of Edinburgh airport. Grangemouth and Stenhousemuir in recent years. Grangemouth is Scotland’s main port. It is the Regeneration has begun in several of the town largest deep water container port which handles a centres outside Falkirk. The Stenhousemuir wide variety of products. Timber is a main import. It is development is largely complete and Bo’ness also a major freight terminal with considerable freight is progressing. This regeneration will provide a better traffic arriving by rail for onward transportation by local environment and improved shopping facilities both road and rail. The potential threat this creates is for local people. considered in the emerging threats section of this assessment under Counter Terrorism. Additionally, a The My Future’s in Falkirk (MFiF) is an economic major oil pipeline for the petrochemical industry at development initiative to: Grangemouth crosses the area. Make the Falkirk Council area a great place to be, a place to live, work, visit and invest; Tourism and Leisure Diversify it’s economy base; The area is home to three of Scotland’s football league clubs. One of these, Falkirk Football Team Build on it’s undoubted potential; and Twenty five million pounds has recently been school at Kinnaird in Larbert and a replacement is based in Falkirk at the new Falkirk Stadium awarded by the Big Lottery Fund, Living Landmarks school at . Attain the peak of ambition, for our people and close to the M9 motorway; and the other two teams, Scheme to develop the Helix, a 300 hectares our businesses. East Stirlingshire and Stenhousemuir currently share environmental project between Falkirk and Forth Valley College provides full time and part a stadium in Stenhousemuir. In 2002 key partners came together from both public Grangemouth. time education for students within the area, and the private sectors to make a real impact on local based in Falkirk. There are approximately 2,500 The Grangemouth Sports Stadium hosts a number of Other tourist attractions in the area include the economy & to promote the area both nationally and national sporting events each year. full time students. internationally. The projects taken forward as part of Scottish Railway Museum and Steam Railway at MFiF since then have helped to secure existing and The opening of the Falkirk Wheel in 2002 has Bo’ness which is undergoing further development; Polmont Young Offenders Institution, which is create new jobs as well as attract significant levels of generated additional tourist visits to the area Callendar House in Falkirk, Blackness Castle and the located within the area, detains on average, over investment bringing in new monies into the local and is likely to continue to do so. It also generates Antonine Wall. The Antonine Wall was awarded 670 male young offenders, by far the largest such economy. This includes securing major investments additional traffic and a new car park and access road UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2008. institution in Scotland. such as the HELIX, providing high quality areas in have recently been completed. It is currently the All these have potential for further development. which to do business and regenerating our town eighth most popular visitor attraction in Scotland with Up until now, most visitors to the Falkirk area Young People centres. MFiF has recently been refreshed to continue over 500,000 visitors per year. have come on day trips rather than for extended visits, The process for identifying Community Safety our drive to achieve higher and sustainable economic unless to stay with family or friends. The limited hotel Partnership priorities will be outlined in this growth by further mobilising the local community, The Falkirk Wheel is only one part of the Millennium assessment. A recurring theme throughout all project to re-open the Forth, Clyde and Union Canals facilities have largely been utilised by business visitors, businesses and partner agencies to achieve our often related to the petro-chemical industry. areas assessed highlighted the importance of aspirations for our area. linking the River Clyde, and Edinburgh. how the community interacts with young people. This provides opportunities for leisure activities such Other Features of the Area The challenge for the Community Safety Transport and Communications as boating, walking and cycling along the length of Partnership and the wider community across all the canal which lies within the Falkirk area. As from the start of the 2009/10 school year, all The position of Falkirk at the heart of Central Scotland of Falkirk’s secondary schools have been replaced priorities will be to highlight and promote the means that transport and communications are an In addition, planning applications have been received with modern buildings, most on or close to their rich diversity and talent in our young people important feature of the area. Three major for commercial and leisure facilities along the canal, original sites (the exception is Denny High School). and support them as Falkirk’s future, whilst at motorways link within the area - the M9 from for example in the Redding and Tamfourhill areas. The council has also completed a new primary the same time tackle the issues that the community and our young people have highlighted. 4 5 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Themes

he Community Safety Partnership is one The following national outcomes are directly Consultation of the theme groups responsible for influenced by the Community Safety Partnership Information has been gathered to identify the issues delivering the Strategic Community Plan Strategic Assessment: which are of concern to the communities of Falkirk in Falkirk through the Community and those issues which cause demand for service Planning structure, as outlined in the National Outcome Six - We will live longer, TLocal Government Act 2003. The following chart healthier lives. across the partnership. outlines the key themes that are collectively taken National Outcome Eight - We have improved the Key staff members from partner agencies were forward by our Community Planning Partnership: life chances for children, young people and consulted to learn their perspective and the feedback families at risk. they receive from communities on the issues that National Outcome Nine - We will live our lives safe affect them. The Community Planning Team at Falkirk from crime, disorder and danger. Council had also undertaken extensive community Improving Our Neighbourhood consultation across most parts of Falkirk District to National Outcome Ten - We live in well designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the identify the key issues which affected our communities at a local level. The result of this community Lifelong Learning and Community Safety amenities and services we need. Opportunity consultation was considered in addition to the input National Outcome Eleven - We will have strong, from professionals across the partnership. resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how Every effort has been made to gather information Leadership Group they affect others. from as wide a cross section of the communities of Strategic Direction Falkirk as possible; however, this is clearly an area Economic Health and National Outcome Thirteen - We take pride in a Development Accountability Wellbeing strong, fair and inclusive national identity. where improvements can always be made. It is and Tourism Attainment intended that this will be a living document which will Working in Partnership to Create Safer Communities continue to be informed by the feedback of partner agencies and, more importantly, the people of Falkirk Management Group Falkirk Council area is one of the safest places to live over the life of the assessment. This ongoing Operational in Scotland with high crime clear up rates. This is consultation will be used to better inform the Children and Management Scrutiny Community something we want to maintain. How safe people feel Regeneration direction of resources over the next three years. Young People and Challenge is a key aspect of a community’s quality of life and an Strategic Community important factor in making decisions on Priorities Plan where to live, where to locate businesses and many This assessment outlines recommendations to progress more significant decisions in people’s lives. our priorities, for the period (2011/14). These priorities reflect our local outcomes as well as Scottish Equal Opportunities Public Sector Reform The outcomes to achieve our vision include: Government objectives and those emerging form and Equity of Access Our citizens will be protected; Strategic Assessment. Vulnerable children will be protected; and Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Strategic Sustainable Development Community Engagement Our citizens will be encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and well being Priorities Through a robust process of risk assessment the Vision Aim following Strategic Priorities were agreed by the Our aspirations for the area remain high with our Falkirk Community Safety Partnership: vision remaining valid. The vision includes: The aim of this Strategic Assessment is to identify the key priorities for the partnership ensuring the Antisocial Behaviour The legacy of our past and the potential of our community and service providers have a good Safety future are protected. understanding of key community safety issues that Our area is at the centre of Scottish life. currently affect the Falkirk area. This has been Protecting our Public achieved by identifying: Our future is one of the most culturally diverse Drugs & Alcohol Abuse and distinct areas in Scotland. The threats to community safety and outlining the Prevention; Rehabilitation; Information; Our future has investment in jobs, learning Communication; Enforcement; (PRICE) responses to homes and leisure for all. ensure the Community Safety Partnership make Our area is the place to be in the third best use of available resources. Millennium. Any information and data gaps which require to be addressed to allow the Community Safety Group to work more effectively together. Any emerging threats which are likely to impact on the work of the partnership in the next reporting period.

7 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Anti Social Behaviour

ntisocial behaviour covers a include the use of legal measures. What do we want to achieve? wide range of behaviours Noise Team are responsible for investigating noise As outlined in the national agreement, our aim is to which cause distress within complaints; issuing warning letters and fixed ensure:- communities. Everyone has a penalty notices, they also work with the First Team We will live longer, healthier lives. different idea about what providing an out of hours service. We have improved the life chances for children, Aantisocial behaviour means. The Antisocial young people and families at risk. Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 has Detached Youth Work Team are responsible for defined antisocial behaviour as: “acting in engaging with young people in our communities, We will live our lives safe from crime, disorder and building relationships to encourage and signpost danger. a manner, or pursuing a course of conduct, them to diversionary activities and services. They We live in well designed, sustainable places where that causes or is likely to cause alarm or aim to promote positive images of young people distress to at least one person not of the we are able to access the amenities and services we whilst also diverting young people away from ASB need. same household”. This is a definition into constructive activities. Young people are followed by Falkirk Community Safety encouraged and supported to take responsibility We will have strong, resilient and supportive Partnership regarding it’s’ approach to for their actions and lives and to make informed communities where people take responsibility for antisocial behaviour. lifestyle choices. The deployment of the detached their own actions and how they affect others. youth work team is targeted in areas of reported We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive For the purposes of this assessment, ASB with programmes of activity in Hallglen/ national identity. Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Laurieston; Westfield; Banknock; ; defines antisocial behaviour (ASB) as Dawson/Langlees; Park; Denny; How will we achieve this? covering the following subject areas: Dennyloanhead; Stenhousemuir; Carronshore; We will progress the following recommendations with Public Disorder Airth; and Grangemouth. Community Safety partners in line with the National Vandalism SACRO (Safeguarding Communities, Reducing Framework for Tackling Antisocial Behaviour Noise Nuisance Offending) provide the Restorative Acceptable (Promoting Positive Outcomes): Behaviour Service working with victims and Environmental Issues: Prevention perpetrators of ASB to reduce conflict within Review and develop our awareness raising Dog Fouling communities. The Restorative Acceptable approach aimed at targeting offenders in relation Fly tipping Behaviour Service aims to address the harm to vandalism / graffiti and environmental issues. Littering caused by ASB by allowing those harmed to get answers to questions, to ask something of the Develop diversionary activities for target offenders within geographical areas of concern Current Services person responsible (e.g. a reparative task or There are a range of services in place voluntary work) and to let them see that Rehabilitation across the partnership to address ASB something is being done. For persons responsible Review current practices of youth interventions to it is about being held accountable, taking ranging from prevention, early focus on repeat juvenile offenders. responsibility and completing any tasks or intervention to enforcement aimed at action that was asked of them. Evaluate the delivery of Community Service Orders tackling the causes and effects of ASB, with a view to including community consultation through effective partnership working at Central Scotland Police have developed the PACT in identifying work to be undertaken, following a local level, for example:- process (Police and Communities Together) and the principles of Restorative Justice processes. Housing Services have developed Neighbourhood Community Safety Team this consists of Information the merged Community Wardens Action Groups (NAGs) to review issues or concerns at a community and neighbourhood level Commission further research and analysis on the Service and Environmental geographical areas of concern. Enforcement team. The service respectively. operates across the Falkirk Council Safer Streets activity has been undertaken since Communication area. The Community Safety team has 2007 to promote Falkirk’s town centre as a safe Media Strategy to be developed to focus on responsibility for issuing fixed penalty place in terms of its’ night time economy. In 2009, identified emerging threats and public notices and warning letters for Dog the funded the ‘Safe Base’ reassurance. Fouling, Litter, and Fly Tipping. They facility over the festive period. The Safe Base was Enforcement also have responsibility for reducing developed to provide visitors to the town centre Ensure the powers of the Licensing (Scotland) Act anti-social behaviour, including graffiti, who found themselves unable to get home after 2005 are fully utilised to target shops and/or off vandalism and fear of crime. They will a night-out or suffering from a minor injury with sales, where alcohol is being purchased by and for also develop close links with a safe place to receive advice, support and young people. communities promoting the area as a treatment. This enabled them to get assistance in safe and attractive place to live, work getting home or where necessary transport to the Recommendations will be progressed by means of shop and visit. local Accident and Emergency unit. The Safe Base specific actions plans. Conflict Resolution Service includes a was staffed by representatives of the partnership Mediation team, Conflict Resolution (e.g. British Red Cross, Scottish Ambulance Service Officer and the First team who are paramedic, Street Pastors and Signpost). People responsible for investigating were directed or taken to the Safe Base by staff complaints of antisocial behaviour carrying out patrols in the town centre (Central across the Falkirk area, and Scotland Police and British Red Cross). implements a range of interventions to stop the offending behaviour and help individuals change their behaviour in a positive way. This can 9 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Protecting Our Public

he issues identified below involving a range of behaviour), have been grouped under the sexual abuse (acts which degrade shared priority of ‘Protecting and humiliate women and are Our Public’. This classification perpetrated against their will, including was arrived at through the rape) and mental and emotional abuse rTesponses, in particular, from service (such as threats, verbal abuse, racial providers as there was limited response abuse, withholding money and other in this area from community types of controlling behaviour such as consultation. Crimes and incidents isolation from family or friends)”. in this category, particularly Domestic Abuse and Child Protection, are often Domestic Abuse Working Group hidden and not readily visible to The Falkirk Multi Agency Domestic the wider community but are clear Abuse Forum was established in priorities for the Community Safety the late 1990s to implement the Partnership due to the risks they pose National Action for Change Strategy, to the public. which addresses the issues of Domestic Abuse. Across Falkirk, partners from Victims First both the public and voluntary sectors Central Scotland Police currently work together to ensure there is a operates a scheme whereby partner coordinated approach in developing agencies work together to ensure that services to meet the needs of victims and certain witnesses receive individuals and families experiencing appropriate, high quality, professional violence, including Domestic Abuse. and caring assistance. The ‘Victims First’ objective is to minimise the impact of Protecting Our Children a crime or incident and the associated A recurring theme throughout this stresses, by providing an accessible and assessment is young people. Whilst locally based response. this does, in part, relate to the negative behaviour of young people in some The areas considered under the priority instances, it is important to value the “Protecting our Public” are as follows: positive contribution of young people Domestic Abuse and their fear of crime in local Protecting Our Children communities. “Protecting Our Children” is predominantly about Sexual Crime how the partnership and the wider Violence community support our young people Hate Incidents and tackle the issues that are faced by them. This covers a range of issues across this assessment including: Current Picture Antisocial Behaviour Domestic Abuse Underage Drinking Domestic Abuse is a hidden crime from local communities in that it is often, Adult Alcohol Abuse (the effect this but not exclusively, committed within has on young people) the home and may not be readily Drug Abuse (risk of them being evident to wider family and friends, let exposed to or offered drugs) alone the wider community. Domestic Abuse is most commonly perpetrated The Falkirk Community Planning by men against women and takes a Partnership want young people to be number of specific and identifiable safe: protected from abuse, neglect or forms. The existence of violence against harm. It wants to encourage its’ young men is not denied, nor is the existence people to be successful learners, of violence in same sex relationships, confident individuals, effective nor other forms of abuse, but Domestic contributors and responsible citizens. Abuse requires a response which takes In Falkirk the delivery of this approach account of the gender specific elements is overseen by the Children’s and the broader gender inequalities Commission Executive Group which women face. In this context, the (otherwise known as the Children’s definition adopted is as follows : Commission) which is the Children & Young People’s Cross Cutting Theme “Domestic Abuse (as gender-based Group reporting to the Falkirk abuse), can be perpetrated by partners Community Planning Partnership.There or ex-partners and can include physical are a number of key existing structures abuse (assault and physical attack overseen by the Children’s Commission.

11 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Protecting Our Public

The Community Safety Partnership has an important use of the taxi rank at Newmarket Street during the role to play in conjunction with the existing peak evenings over the festive period. This service established partnership working as part of continued during the 2009 festive season with the the overall Community Planning Structure. introduction of a ‘Safe Base’ in Falkirk Town Centre which also provided basic medical assistance and was Sexual Crime continued in 2010. Sexual crime (rape and sexual assault) can have lifelong consequences for the psychological health CCTV of the victim. It is difficult to establish the true CCTV Partnership has been in operation since 2005 with extent of sexual crime across Scotland, and in all CCTV operations centralised within Kilncraigs Business particular across the Falkirk area, due to the Centre, . The centralisation of the CCTV operation percentage of sexual offences and particularly rape allows a streamlined and more efficient approuch to the crimes that go unreported. The actual extent to management of CCTV across the Forth Valley area with which crimes of this nature are not reported is difficult added data sharing benefits both within the councils, to establish however, research indicates that this police and judicial system. crime is under-reported. Hate Incidents Violence Hate incidents are impersonal, motivated not by hatred Violence can have a significant impact on a of the person, but of a core feature, or perceived community’s fear of crime; however, police crime feature, of the person that is shared by others. This can statistics indicate that most categories of serious include a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, age, violent crime are low in the Falkirk area. Falkirk and gender or a disability. Hate incidents, if not effectively its surrounding area remains a safe place to live, work challenged, can result in harming community relations, and visit. Despite the low levels of serious violence increased community tensions and segregation of groups experienced by Falkirk communities the effect of and individuals. When committed, hate incidents impact violence on individuals, families and whole not only on the victim, but also on members of the same communities can be high. One violent incident can community group who share, or are perceived to share, increase people’s perceptions of becoming such a the same core identity. victim and hence increase a community’s fear of crime. Central Scotland Police, as part of the Community Safety Research, from the most recent crime survey, Partnership in Falkirk, has been at the forefront of highlights that in Scotland, males aged between 16 recording and reporting hate crime. It has been one of and 24 years had the highest risk of being a victim of the first police forces in Scotland to take a wider violent crime. There was also a 6 percent greater risk approach to reporting which covers Transphobia, of being the victim of violent crime for adults living in Homophobia and Disability-related discrimination. The areas of multiple deprivation. force has also led on the development of a new website where we are able to access the amenities and Justice Strategy and Referral Groups to ensure which encourages the reporting of hate incidents. services we need. effective interventions are designed for those Alcohol & Violence communities in the short, medium and long term. MAHRS (Multi-Agency Hate Response Strategy) We will have strong, resilient and supportive The connection between alcohol and violence is communities where people take responsibility for Information well documented with the World Health Organisation Through the MAHRS partnership across the Central their own actions and how they affect others. Commission local research on links between linking alcohol as a causation factor for violence. Scotland area strong links have been built over recent Domestic Abuse and Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Both alcohol use and interpersonal violence affect years particularly in relation to tackling racist incidents. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive communities, public service provision (including health A Muslim Women’s Community Safety Event was held national identity. Evaluation required of the Pathfinder Pilot to and justice services), and the safety and health of in July 2009 which brought together Muslim women ensure good practice is replicated across the from across the area to discuss the issues they face; individuals. There is a strong association between How will we achieve this? Falkirk Area. alcohol consumption and an individual’s risk of hear directly from agency professionals of the work being done and allow an opportunity to make We will progress the following recommendations Commission research at a local level into the becoming a perpetrator or victim of violence. Victims with Community Safety partners: relationship between alcohol and violence. in 29 per cent of violent crimes in Scotland stated they recommendations on how the service provided can had consumed alcohol prior to the incident and in 26 be improved in the future. A recent sporting event was Prevention Communication per cent of violent crimes the offender(s) was reported held with members of the Lithuanian community. Further Develop an education strategy for parents and Review media and marketing strategy in to be under the influence of drugs by the victims . engagement with minority communities will assist the young people on the safe use of the internet. relation to highlighting Domestic Abuse across Community Safety Partnership in meeting the needs of Review Community Safety Partnership reporting the Community Safety Partnership. The local picture of violence in Falkirk area mainly the whole community. concerns low level assaults , i.e. minor acts of violence. structures to ensure compliance with the GIRFEC Evaluate existing Personal and Social Education principles in relation to Child Protection matters, Traditionally the police have a high detection rate Protecting our Public inputs on Domestic Violence at a local level and in particular to consider HMIe priorities for young understanding amongst young people. for the more serious types of violent crime (Murder, What do we want to achieve? Attempted Murder and Serious Assault). runaways, children who may be trafficked and As outlined in the national agreement, our aim is to children missing from education. Develop a media strategy to highlight dangers ensure: of online grooming. Safer Streets - Night-time Economy We will live longer, healthier lives. Develop a marketing strategy, aimed at young Taxi Marshalls were introduced during the festive Rehabilitation season of 2007 within Falkirk Town Centre. This We have improved the life chances for children, people, to highlight the dangers of alcohol- Develop offender programmes for Domestic Abuse induced and drug-assisted sexual assaults. initiative involved partnership working and was young people and families at risk. perpetrators and co-ordinate delivery in deemed as being successful in tacking violence We will live our lives safe from crime, disorder and conjunction with Criminal Justice partners. Recommendations will be progressed by means associated with the night-time economy. This initiative danger. of specific actions plans. involved Marshalls assisting with the quick and safe Develop protocols for Child Protection between We live in well designed, sustainable places the Community Safety Partnership and the Youth 12 13 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Safety

the following comment “Running events like Fire Service Youth Engagement SDSA can be used as part of the method to Youth engagement remains a priority for the Fire change attitudes, consideration should however Service to promote education and to reduce the be given to how this message is reinforced.” instance of fire setting by young people. The core Road Safety Advice : Central Scotland Police education programme in both primary and secondary work with all local primary schools to deliver schools is complimented by initiatives such as ‘Crucial road safety advice to children through the Crew’ and the recently developed ‘Act Safe Keep Safe’ Collision Prevention Unit and provide related scheme which targets young people who are either marketing material to schools. Cycle training excluded from mainstream education or on the verge within Falkirk Council is now a joint venture of being so. between its Education Service and Development Service with the aim to “Develop road awareness and risk management through structured Fire Service Road Safety on-road training.” The Fire Service currently works in partnership with Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership : Central Scotland Police through the ‘Safe Drive Stay The Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership Alive’ Campaign which targets young drivers on the commenced operations on 1st April 2006. roads across Central Scotland, including the Falkirk The aim of the partnership is to reduce collisions area. Attendance at road traffic collisions remains a on the roads and increase road safety by high demand area for the Fire Service. targeting identified sites where speed was known to be a factor in collisions, as well as Safety - What do we want to achieve? giving consideration to site improvements As outlined in the national agreement, our aim is to through engineering. ensure: Safer Roads through Engineering : Accident We will live longer, healthier lives. studies are carried out as required by the Road We have improved the life chances for children, Traffic Acts and measures are taken to reduce young people and families at risk. he following subject areas have been grouped group. ROSPA estimates that one in three people aged accident numbers and casualty severities both under the single priority of “Safety” as they all 65 years and over experience a fall at least once a year, on the existing roads and on new ones. The We will live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger. relate to the same theme of “a state in which rising to one in two among 80 year-olds and older. forty sites treated in the Falkirk Council area or a place where you are safe and not in danger to the end of 2007 were associated with an We live in well designed, sustainable places where or at risk”. The Community Safety Partnership is Road Safety average accident reduction of 60 per cent. we are able to access the amenities and services we rTequired to work more closely together to promote safety need. In the 170,591 road accidents involving personal and the prevention of accidents in all areas across Falkirk injury and reported to the police in Great Britain in We will have strong, resilient and supportive including in the home and on the roads. 2008, 2,538 people were killed (around 7 per day), Fire Safety communities where people take responsibility for Home Safety 28,572 seriously injured and 202,333 slightly injured. Fire safety continues to be an area of concern for the their own actions and how they affect others. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive Road Safety Various studies have shown that human error was a community. Fires within the area cover the whole sole factor in around 57 per cent of accidents, and a spectrum from rubbish fires particularly associated national identity. Fire Safety contributory factor in around 90 per cent of accidents. with bonfire night to house fires, which can have fatal How will we achieve this? Furthermore, of those 57 per cent “caused” by human consequences. We will progress the following recommendations Current Picture error, perceptual errors were involved in 90 per cent with Community Safety partners: and response error in only 10 per cent. Road accidents Operation Alamo Home Safety Information are, clearly, complicated events, but progress continues Operation Alamo is a partnership operation which Commission a Problem Profile for Home Safety Every year in the UK almost 4,000 people die in in understanding the multitude of factors that accidents in the home and 2.7 million attend Accident operates across the Central Scotland area in the issues across the Falkirk area. contribute to them. Road safety was a prominent weeks prior to Bonfire Night. Research has and Emergency (A&E) departments seeking treatment feature of the community consultation returns Develop information sharing processes with but because accidents happen behind closed doors, highlighted a significant increase in the number Central Scotland Fire and Rescue. provided across Falkirk Council area. The feedback of incidents reported to emergency services and in isolated incidents, they rarely attract public and Carry out risk analysis on the peak accident mainly related to level of traffic, parking issues and partner agencies in relation to bonfires and fireworks. media attention. Accidental injuries are a major health speeding violation within urban areas. locations. problem throughout Scotland, as well as within the The aim of this partnership working is to identify as early as possible where bonfires are being built and Communication Falkirk area. Nationally, they are the commonest cause Road Safety Interventions Training needs analysis to be carried out across of death in children over one year of age and each fireworks are being used inappropriately with a view Longstanding interventions in relation to road safety to taking steps to ensure the publics safety. the Community Safety Partnership to identify year they leave many people permanently disabled Home Safety skills against nationally recognised or disfigured. are in place, which is reflected in the downward trend of reported injuries. These interventions include: Home Fire Safety training standards. Media and marketing strategy to be developed Two high risk groups in relation to injuries in the Young Drivers : Central Scotland Fire and Rescue The recent Community Fire Safety Study “Scotland Service, in conjunction with the other emergency Together” highlighted Scotland as experiencing to promote home safety and improve community home were identified: the young and older people. awareness. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents services, work with young drivers through the Safe higher rates of fire deaths, accidental dwelling fires (ROSPA) identifies the most at risk group from a home Drive, Stay Alive (SDSA) initiative which is led by the and secondary fires when compared to the rest of the Communication Strategy required to highlight accident as being the 0 to 4 years age group. Children Central Scotland Road Safety Partnership. This U.K. Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service continue the key road safety messages regarding speed promotes road safety amongst young drivers to build on the success of the Home Fire Safety Check reduction, child safety and risks to motor cyclists by their very nature are prone to trips and falls. Older and pedal cyclists. people have a higher risk of accidental injury that between the ages of 15 and 26 years. This five day Scheme across the Falkirk area, with specific high risk results in hospitalisation or death than any other age event involved about 4000 young people when held areas targeted through dedicated campaigns, to Recommendations will be progressed by means in 2009. A recent evaluation of this initiative made positively promote fire safety in the home. of specific actions plans. 14 15 Falkirk Community Safety Partnership Alcohol and Drug Abuse

he Falkirk Alcohol and Drug Partnership of the possible gaps in service. Services and (FADP) was established in October 2009 and initiatives include education, prevention work, took on responsibility from the Falkirk support services, treatment services and Substance Forum for reducing the incidence rehabilitation services, found both within the and harm arising from alcohol and drugs statutory and voluntary sectors. mTisuse. For the purpose of this assessment, alcohol Each service has a published eligibility criteria and drug abuse covers the following three issues: and referral path which allows for appropriate Adult Alcohol Abuse treatment/support to be given to individuals. Underage Drinking Services are age-appropriate to meet the needs Drug Abuse of clients. The approach consists of four tiers of staged intervention. Alcohol misuse has historically featured as a Substance abuse services operating across the priority for the Falkirk Community Safety Falkirk area are published within the Forth Valley Partnership and now the responsibility of the Alcohol and Drug Partnership website. FADP. National sources taking in to account loss of working days, cost to service providers and Alcohol and Drug Abuse - health services, estimate that the total cost of What do we want to achieve? alcohol misuse in Scotland is £3.55 billion pounds As outlined in the national agreement, our aim per year. Within Falkirk that equates to £106,719,300 is to ensure: or £900 per adult resident (2007 figures). We will live longer, healthier lives. Issues resulting from alcohol abuse crosscuts many We have improved the life chances for children, issues covered in this assessment. As a country young people and families at risk. Scotland is the eighth highest consumer of alcohol We will live our lives safe from crime, disorder in the world and responsible for the death of six and danger. Scottish people per day. The Scottish Government We live in well designed, sustainable places has recently rolled out a new strategy on tackling where we are able to access the amenities and alcohol misuse “Changing Scotland’s Relationship services we need. with Alcohol”. Traditionally Scotland has viewed We will have strong, resilient and supportive alcohol as being linked with culture and socialising. communities where people take responsibility for The extent and excess of this has now led to alcohol their own actions and how they affect others. being a particular problem across Scotland. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive It is estimated from independent research that only national identity. one in twelve people with an alcohol related problem in Scotland are accessing any form of How will we achieve this? treatment. We will progress the following recommendations with Community Safety partners: Underage Drinking Reduce the incidence of alcohol misuse amongst Evidence gathered during this assessment from all young people; communities across the Falkirk area and service Tackle the generational abuse of alcohol providers highlights underage drinking as a within families; persistent concern. This is linked to its perceived Improve the uptake of treatment services impact in terms of antisocial behaviour and crime supporting adult alcohol abusers; committed by young people. Better understand alcohol related deaths amongst women; Drug Abuse - Treatment Services for Substance Use Undertake further research to better understand across the Falkirk Council Area the needs of both cocaine and cannabis users; The understanding and response to substance- Reduce the incidence of shared needle use and related problems in Falkirk is tackled using the the prevalence of discarded needles; and Tiered Approach by the Forth Valley Alcohol and Working with other agencies to better Drug Partnership (FVADP) and the Falkirk Alcohol understand the causes of substance misuse. and Drugs Partnership (FADP). This approach enables all initiatives and services to be considered within a Recommendations will be progressed by means shared context and thereby assist with identification of specific actions plans. Emerging Trends

Serious & Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism, and Vulnerable Adults were identified as emerging threats during this assessment period. These areas will need to be monitored over the coming years and interventions implemented as issues are identified. 17 Falkirk Community Safety Partners

Central Scotland Police Central Scotland Fire & Rescue Service Central Scotland Race Equality Council Falkirk Council Forth Valley GIS NHS Forth Valley Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration Town Centre Management

www.falkirk.gov.uk/falkirkcommunitysafety

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